HERNE BAY CLOCK TOWER OPENS DOORS FOR SPECIAL EVENT
This September the iconic Herne Bay Clock Tower will open its doors to the public as part of Heritage Open Days, the country’s largest heritage festival.
Considered to be town’s most striking piece of architecture, the 82-feet structure, and centrepiece to the coastal town, will welcome visitors to explore its lower level.
The free event will take place 10th September, from 11am – 3pm and is a rare opportunity to see walk through the interior of the structure, built in 1837 and gifted to the Herne Bay by great benefactor to the town, Mrs Ann Thwaytes.
The event at the Clock Tower has been organised by Herne Bay Historical Records Society.
Stories from Herne Bay’s past will unfold for visitors who choose to join costumed history walks along Herne Bay’s scenic promenade on the day.
In addition, the new (HBHRS) Heritage Centre will be open on the day. Those wanting to learn more about the town can speak with local historians at the centre and view the latest exhibitions and archives.
Heritage Open Days launched the initiative to give day trippers the chance to chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences. The Herne Bay Clock Tower open day will run alongside more than 5,000 events to celebrate the nations fantastic history and culture.
Other Herne Bay attractions taking part include Herne Mill a Kentish smock windmill dating from 1789. Visitors can go inside the Grade I listed mill which today acts as a charming museum of milling technology with working machinery. The mill will be open on 9-10th September.
Visitors can also explore the chapel at Herne Bay Cemetery on 9th September and see an exhibition displaying the history of the cemetery, chapel and lodge, including recent tales uncovered. An assisted ‘look-up’ facility will be available to locate burials, including unmarked graves. Informal tours around the cemetery will take place throughout the day, highlighting some of the important monuments and the final resting place of Edmund Reid, Detective Inspector for the Ripper murder and Bessie Mundy (Brides in the Bath).
It’s been a busy and successful summer for Herne Bay and the heritage events will follow successful month-long cultural festival, BayFest which brought live music, arts and family festivities to the town. Hello Herne Bay, a tourism campaign launched by Canterbury City council earlier this year, has worked with event organisers to publicise their programmes and promote Herne Bay as a great day out.
